Use These 5 Goals When Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs

  1. Show You Disapprove of Underage Drinking and Drug Misuse
    Research shows that over 80% of young people ages 10–18 consider their parents the biggest influence on their decision to drink. Make it clear that you strongly disapprove of underage drinking and drug misuse to set a firm foundation.
  2. Show You Care About Your Child’s Health, Wellness, and Success
    Kids are more likely to listen when they feel supported. Emphasize that your stance against alcohol and drug use comes from wanting them to stay happy, healthy, and safe. Be open, compassionate, and approachable during the conversation.
  3. Be a Trusted Source of Information
    Help your child make informed decisions by providing reliable information about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Ensure they don’t rely on myths or unreliable sources by positioning yourself as a credible resource.
  4. Show You’re Paying Attention
    Let your child know that you’re aware of their activities and discourage risky behaviors by staying involved in their life. Subtle but consistent attention can make them think twice before engaging in unsafe actions.
  5. Help Build Skills to Resist Peer Pressure
    Even if your child isn’t inclined to drink or use drugs, peer pressure can be powerful. Equip them with strategies to say no, such as texting a code word to a family member for help or practicing responses like “No thanks.”

Keep It Low-Key
You don’t need to cover everything in one talk. Plan for ongoing, short conversations to reinforce your message over time.

Parent Conversation Starters

Engage your child with open-ended questions to spark meaningful dialogue:

  • “Have you talked to your friends about drinking alcohol?”
  • “What do you think about the pressure to drink at parties?”
  • “Why do you think some kids start drinking?”
  • “Do you know the risks of underage drinking?”
  • “How do you feel about your friends’ drinking habits?”

Tips for Starting Conversations:

  • Focus on open-ended questions: Encourage deeper discussions.
  • Express genuine concern: Show care for their well-being.
  • Relate to their experiences: Reference situations they may encounter.
  • Be informed: Share accurate information about alcohol and drug dangers.
  • Start early and talk often: Regular conversations build trust and understanding.

Example Starters for Specific Situations:

  • After a movie: “What did you think about how alcohol was portrayed?”
  • Before an event: “Do you have a strategy for staying safe if others are drinking?”
  • Casual chat: “Have you ever felt uncomfortable in a situation where someone drank too much?”
  • News discussions: “What’s your take on recent stories about underage drinking?”

Connecticut’s Social Host Law

Connecticut enforces a strict “Social Host” law, holding property owners accountable for underage drinking or cannabis use occurring in their homes.

Who is Considered a Host?

  • Anyone who owns, rents, or controls a property.
  • Teenagers hosting a party without parental consent are also considered hosts.

What the Law Prohibits:

  • Providing minors access to alcohol or cannabis in your home.
  • Hosting events where alcohol or cannabis is served to minors.
  • Allowing minors to consume alcohol or cannabis at your property.

Penalties:

  • Violating this law is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and one year in jail.
  • Providing alcohol to minors can lead to a Class E felony, punishable by up to $3,500 in fines and 18 months in jail.

For more information visit https://www.drugfreect.org/